After being closed to the public since 2010, the only limestone caves in California's state park system are set to reopen.
Mitchell Caverns, hidden in a narrow canyon in the eastern Mojave Desert, and the visitor center are scheduled to reopen to the public Nov. 3.
Officials closed the caverns after the two rangers who patrolled the area retired and were not replaced amid budget cuts.
Vandals then ripped out electrical copper wire, stole diesel-powered generators and ransacked the visitor center.
The caverns now boast extensive renovations, including upgrades to the recreation area's water system, a refurbished visitor center, a new pedestrian bridge along a trail leading to the caverns and new LED lights inside the caves.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
